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8 Steps to Take After You've Been Rear-Ended

Rear-end collisions happen every day, and they make up some of the most common types of car accidents. Occuring at any time, rear-end accidents cause more than physical damage to vehicles. The accidents also cause significant stress and confusion to all involved.

Do you know what to do when you get rear-ended? The answer is crucial to ensure safety, handle insurance claims and set your vehicle on the road to repairs.What essential steps should you take in the event of a rear-end collision? Stay calm and keep reading our step-by-step guide for handling an unfortunate situation.

1. Ensure Safety First

As soon as the rear-end collision happens, you might immediately grow worried about injuries or damage to your vehicle. Before you do anything else, however, it’s important to ensure your safety and that of your passengers and occupants of the other vehicle.

Move to a Safe Location

Your accident not only poses a hazard for you and the other driver, but for anyone nearby on the road. First thing’s first, move your vehicle to the side of the road if at all possible. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and avoid further incidents.

Check for Injuries

Once you’ve safely moved off the roadway, it’s time to pay attention to your physical well-being. Are you injured? What about your passengers or those in the other vehicle? If anyone has suffered any injuries, call 911 to request medical assistance.

2. Call the Police

To remain legally compliant, it’s important to call the police and report the accident. A police report might also be required by your insurance company in order to file a claim.

Report the Accident

When you report the accident, be sure to provide accurate information about your location and any details about the accident. Is the roadway blocked? Are there injuries? How many vehicles are involved? After you’ve called the police, wait for them to arrive and file an official report, even if your car is drivable.

Obtain a Copy of the Police Report

Make sure you request a copy of the police report, not only for your own records, but also for your insurance claim.

3. Document the Scene

If possible, take records of the scene. This will help you with your insurance claim. The details might also help in the future should the rear-end collision lead to legal ramifications.

Take Photographs

If you have your phone, you have a way to document the scene of the accident. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles. Try to also capture the surrounding scene, including nearby traffic signs and road conditions.

Gather Witness Information

Were there witnesses to the rear-end collision? Should the accident result in a lawsuit, witnesses can help either the plaintiff or the defense. As witnesses for their contact information, ask them what they saw, and make note of their observations.

4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver

It’s important to exchange information with the other driver. These details will be required by your insurance company.

Collect Essential Details

When obtaining information from the other driver, collect essential details like names and contact information. Get their insurance information, and take note of the other vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number.

Avoid Admitting Fault

You might think the accident was your fault, the evidence might even support that theory, but it’s important you avoid admitting any fault at the scene. Avoid discussing fault or responsibility with witnesses, the other driver or police. There might be details you are unaware of that support your innocence. Let the experts determine who was at fault.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

The next step to take following a rear-end collision is to notify your insurance company of the accident. You’ll want to report it as soon as possible and include as many details as you can.

Provide Details of the Accident

When you initially contact your car insurance company, share the police report and any photos of the accident. Explain what happened and answer any questions they might have. Do not admit fault.

Understand Your Coverage

If you aren’t already aware of your insurance coverage, now is the time to study your policy. Review what is and isn’t covered, and ask your insurance agent about the next steps in the claims process.

6. Seek Medical Attention

Were you or any of your passengers injured in the collision? Make sure you address any medical needs. The costs might be paid through a car insurance claim.

Get a Medical Evaluation

Following a rear-end collision, you and your passengers should visit a doctor – even if you feel fine. You never know what sort of internal or spinal injuries might be present. Watch for delayed symptoms like neck or back pain.

Keep Medical Records

Yours or the other driver’s car insurance might cover some or all medical claims. Document doctors’ visits and treatments of injuries. Save your receipts and bills for medical expenses.

7. Repair Your Vehicle

Following a rear-end collision, your vehicle will undoubtedly need to be repaired. In addition to the rear end, the car likely has structural damage that will need fixing.

Obtain Repair Estimates

Before you get your vehicle repaired, it’s important to get estimates from multiple repair shops. You likely will need to choose a repair shop approved by your insurance.

Coordinate with Your Insurance

Your repairs likely will be paid for by your or the other driver’s car insurance. Follow the specific insurer’s process for getting repairs approved. Make sure you keep records of all repair-related communications.

8. Consider Legal Assistance

Was the rear-end collision your fault? Was it an accident that could have been prevented? Whether legal action is taken against you – or you’re taking it against someone else – you likely will want to consider legal assistance.

Consult with an Attorney

Seek advice from an attorney if you face complications with your insurance claim or if you need to protect yourself from legal action. You might need legal help if there were injuries or significant damages involved in the accident.

Understand Your Rights

What are your rights and responsibilities following a car accident? What are the statutes of limitations for filing claims in your state? Research the pertinent information online, consult your insurance agent, or ask an attorney.

Keep Calm and Take The Right Steps Following a Rear-end Collision

Being rear-ended can be a stressful experience, but you don’t have to wonder what comes next. Remember to first ensure safety by moving to a safe location and checking for injuries. Call the police to report the accident, then obtain an official report.

Make sure you document the scene with photographs and gather witness information. Don’t forget to exchange details with the other driver – without admitting fault – and notify your insurance company.

Seek medical attention even if you feel fine and be sure you keep records of all related expenses. Should you encounter complications, consult an attorney.

Remember, remaining calm and methodical throughout the process will help you effectively handle the situation. Share this guide with your friends and family so they, too, can be prepared in the event of a rear-end collision.

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